As a person who enjoys horseback riding, I thought it important to inform cyclists on the proper way to approach a horse and rider. Horses are skittish because they were hunted by other animals and may mistake that sleek, speeding “creature” that appears from out of the blue behind them (horses have a blind spot directly behind them) as a predator. That uncertainty could easily cause a horse to spook or even panic.

To avoid endangering not only the rider, but the cyclist and oncoming traffic as well, it is essential for a cyclist to move into a horse’s view and make himself known. It is OK to say “Hello” or “How are you” to the rider or answer his or her greeting. This identifies you as a human being to an unsure horse, plus breaks up the monotony of the ride for the cyclist.

Debbie Raven, Casco